Oxford 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Oxford

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty English breakfast at The Grand Cafe, situated in the heart of Oxford.
  • Visit the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, one of the city’s oldest buildings and a must-see for its stunning architecture.
  • Take a self-guided walking tour around the University of Oxford campus. Be sure to check out the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church College (where several Harry Potter scenes were filmed). You can purchase a combined ticket for these sites at the visitor center.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Turf Tavern, one of Oxford’s oldest pubs dating back to the 13th century.
  • Visit the Ashmolean Museum, home to a vast collection of art and archaeology, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt.
  • Explore the Pitt Rivers Museum for an extensive collection of anthropology and archaeology.

Evening:

  • Dine at George Street Social, offering modern British cuisine with a stylish atmosphere.
  • End your day with a walk along the River Cherwell or Isis (as the section of the Thames in Oxford is called).

Day 2: More Sights and Activities

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Breakfast Club, known for their inventive dishes and friendly service.
  • Visit the Science Museum to discover interactive exhibits exploring the wonders of science and technology.
  • Take a boat tour along the River Thames (Isis) for scenic views of Oxford’s historic colleges and landmarks. Ferry boats leave from Folly Bridge.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at The Eagle and Child, a historic pub frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
  • Visit the Museum of Natural History, home to dinosaur skeletons, taxidermy specimens, and interactive exhibits on natural history.
  • Explore the Botanic Garden for a peaceful stroll among beautiful gardens and greenhouses.

Evening:

  • Dine at The Trout Inn, located outside of Oxford in the picturesque village of Lechlade-on-Thames, offering traditional pub fare with river views.
  • Return to Oxford and take a leisurely walk along Cornmarket Street, one of the city’s oldest shopping areas, or enjoy a drink at a local pub before calling it a day.

Transportation:

  • Oxford is easily explored on foot, but you can also use City Sightseeing Bus Tours for an overview of the city’s highlights.
  • To get around outside of Oxford, consider using Oxford Bus Company or rent a bike from one of the many bike rental shops in the city center.

Things to Know:

  • Many attractions in Oxford have reduced hours on Sundays and are closed on bank holidays, so plan accordingly.
  • Most shops and restaurants close early in Oxford, with many closing by 6 pm.
  • Be sure to check opening times for the attractions you wish to visit before your trip, as they may have modified operating hours or restrictions due to COVID-19.

Tips:

  • Purchase an Oxford ArtWeeks guide to discover local artists and their work, often displayed in unique locations around the city during the annual festival in May.
  • Visit during “Supernatural Oxford” events for a chance to explore the city’s ghostly legends and folklore.
  • Take advantage of free admission to Oxford museums on the first Sunday of each month.